Dickinson holds child safety seat checks July 01, 2004

Everyone is encouraged to stop in and visit with Safety Technicians about their child seats. Simonson's will be donating car wash coupons to parents stopping at the car seat check with little or no errors on the installation of their car safety seat.

Motor vehicle crashes remain the leading cause of death and disability in children over age one in the United States. Yet, everyday car seats are purchased at local garage sales and second hand stores without knowing the history of the car seat, looking for the manufacture date for the age of a car seat, or if it is on a recall list. It is very important to know how old the seat is since most manufactures don't warranty a car seat that is over six years old. If you are unfamiliar with car seats, you may not notice missing parts that are essential to the function of the car safety seat.

National studies reflect an approximately 80% incorrect use rate. Many local checks report misuse rates over 90%. Although most parents attempt to do the right thing, correct installation can sometimes be difficult. It is very important to read the instruction booklet when install a car seat check and your vehicle instruction booklet.

Look for Car Safety Seat Checks in your community or if you have questions regarding child passenger safety seats, please feel free to contact Becky at Community Action Partnership 227-0131.